Ecclestone critical of Dennis, Alonso

That's the claim of Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone, who has been critical of both men after Alonso signed a deal to join McLaren in 2007, a year before he leaves Renault.

Ecclestone reckons Dennis should have informed Briatore about Alonso's plans so the deal could have been announced properly.

As it was, however, McLaren revealed the deal just two months after Alonso had won the title, a decision which has been subject of much criticism.

"It's no problem that Alonso signed with McLaren, because he was free to do so contractually," Ecclestone said in an interview with Autosprint. "I don't know the conditions of his management relationship with Briatore, so I can't have an idea.

"Ron Dennis, however, should have called Briatore immediately afterwards and let him know about it, then agree on a communication strategy which wouldn't put Renault in difficulty, but this didn't happen. Flavio told me he learned of it one month after the contract got signed.

"Alonso and Ron Dennis worked behind the backs of Briatore and Renault, and this shouldn't have happened."